By Jen Ludwig
Advent (from the Latin word adventus) means “coming” or “arrival” and is traditionally a time of preparation. During these weeks before December 25th, we are getting ready for the arrival of our Savior.
We wait expectantly for the coming of the King through the eyes of the Israelites, who awaited the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago. We look forward to Jesus’ second coming. We also wait and watch for the ways the Holy Spirit stirs our hearts today.
How can we engage in this waiting process—and grow closer to Jesus—while we count down the days until Christmas?
Waiting for a Savior
At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Before we dive into the festivities, let’s imagine what it was like for the Israelites who longed for the arrival of a Savior.
For generations, the Jewish people waited for the One who would bring Israel’s redemption. Jesus was the fulfillment of that covenant—God’s promise to send a Messiah to save His people, prophesied in Isaiah:
“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace….He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.” – Isaiah 9:6–7 HCSB
We may find it hard to imagine what it was like for those who followed Yahweh to wait during the time God was silent. An estimated 600 years after Isaiah’s prophecy, angels visit Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph to tell them that the waiting is almost over.
The Messiah will soon be born.
This holiday season, we may also feel like we’re waiting for God to come through on His promises to us. We may be hoping for healing, the restoration of a relationship, or relief from financial stress.
During the Advent season, we can look back with encouragement and see how even if God’s timing isn’t ours, He always fulfills His promises and takes care of His children.
God promises to be with us always (Mt 28:20), carry us (Is 46:4), and provide freedom in Christ (Jn 8:36).
We rest in these assurances. We sing songs like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” and we join the chorus of those who waited for Jesus’ arrival.
Waiting for the Coming King
Advent is a time when we also look forward to Jesus’ second coming. As followers of Jesus, we anticipate the day when He comes again, brings full reconciliation to all of His creation, and ushers in a new Heaven and Earth.
In the midst of our daily struggle with the brokenness of our world, we look ahead to a time when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rv 21:4).
Shifting our outlook to an eternal perspective shifts our mindset to the heart of God.
We can trust God’s good plans and walk confidently each day knowing He has a purpose for us until He returns. Keeping our eyes focused on what’s to come helps us move forward, knowing the path ahead leads to a joyful reunion with Christ.
This eternal, forward-looking way of thinking is a key part of our Advent preparations. Our Christmas celebration of Jesus’ birth only has meaning because of His Easter resurrection and the resurrection still to come.
Charles Wesley was referring to the coming King when he penned the familiar carol, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” At Advent, we long together for the day when Jesus will raise believers to His “glorious throne.”
Waiting at the Feet of Jesus
As we settle our hearts in these positions of waiting—waiting to celebrate Jesus’ birth and waiting for His return—we also find the Lord meets us today, right where we are.
Advent reminds us to quiet ourselves, step away from the busyness and stress of the season, and turn our eyes toward Jesus.
Before jumping into the shopping, preparations, and parties accompanying Christmas, the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42 provides a helpful perspective.
Martha (a planner after my own heart) becomes distracted by all there was to do with a special guest in her house (a familiar holiday story for us all). Jesus gently encouraged Martha to take time to sit at His feet.
Especially at Christmas, we should prepare our hearts to be with Jesus.
Let’s slow down, sit at His feet, and wait for His life-giving words.
In these December days, this might look like reading through an Advent devotional, spending time in prayer, or lighting candles in reflection at the end of each day.
We can seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we go about this holiday season.
When we shop for friends and family, we can pause to prayerfully ask how each person can feel seen and loved. When we give our time and resources to those who have the greatest needs, we obey God’s call to be His hands and feet.
As we sing “Joy to the World,” let’s ask God to prepare our hearts to make room for Him and embrace this Advent season.
Drawn to the Light of Jesus
During Advent, we light four candles, one each Sunday before Christmas Day. The candles’ glow reminds us of the power of light in the darkness.
Just as in the parable of the 10 virgins (Mt 25:1–13), the candles remind us we’re waiting for the One who was born in a manger, who is longing for us to sit at His feet, and who is to come with great power and glory.
May our hearts be drawn closer to Jesus as we wait intentionally and expectantly this Advent season.
Jen Ludwig
Jen Ludwig is a Jesus-follower, worship leader, and writer. She and her husband are recent empty-nesters (daily discovering what God has for them in this new season!). Her devotional, Embracing Advent, encourages us to focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love Jesus offers at Christmas—and every day of the year. Connect with Jen at jenludwig.com and @jenludwigwrites.
